PORTLAND — Drivers heading north on Tukeys Bridge tonight can expect to encounter temporary lane closures.

Mark Latti, a spokesman for the Maine Department of Transportation, said the closures are scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. as construction crews begin to make preparations to separate Washington Avenue from Interstate 295.

The lane closures will continue Monday so that crews can paint solid stripes designating travel lanes during the Tukeys Bridge rehabilitation project. Latti said through traffic will be allowed at all times during the striping project.

But on Tuesday, a concrete barrier will be erected that will close Exit 8 and completely separate northbound traffic on Tukeys Bridge from Washington Avenue. As a result, Washington Avenue will become a local road only.

The effort is part of a substantial I-295 repair project that will continue through the Fall. Roadway and  bridge repair work has been designed to minimize the impact on motorists.

Drivers are advised to pay close attention to signage connected with the repair project, and to observe reduced speed zones. For more information, maps, or to sign up for email alerts, go to mainedot.gov.